The United States maintains the world's largest nominal GDP at approximately $28.7 trillion in 2026, significantly ahead of China's $17.9 trillion, despite China's historically faster growth rates. The US dollar's strength and service-sector dominance contribute to its continued economic leadership.
United States vs China Nominal GDP 2026 — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
World's largest economy with advanced services sector and global currency dominance
World's second-largest economy with fastest growth among major powers and global manufacturing hub
Nominal GDP 2026. GDP Growth Rate 2026. GDP Per Capita 2026. Largest Economic Sector. Share of Global GDP. Foreign Direct Investment Inflows 2026. Currency Reserve Status
The United States holds a commanding lead in absolute nominal GDP and remains the world's largest economy by a substantial $10.8 trillion margin. However, China's faster GDP growth rate of 4.2% versus the US's 2.1% indicates a narrowing gap over the long term. Choose the US for current economic dominance, technological leadership, and investment stability; choose China if analyzing emerging-market growth potential or manufacturing capacity.
United States of America: $28.7 trillion | People's Republic of China: $17.9 trillion
United States of America: $31.82 trillion | People's Republic of China: $35.0+ trillion
United States of America: 22.73% | People's Republic of China: 14.77%
United States of America: 6.31x higher | People's Republic of China: 1.0x (baseline)
United States of America: Emerging leader, <30% | People's Republic of China: 70%
United States of America: ~15% | People's Republic of China: 35%
Combined Global Economic Share (Nominal)
United States of America: 42.46% (combined US-China) | People's Republic of China: 42.46% (combined US-China)
United States of America: $89,000+ | People's Republic of China: $14,100
United States of America: 23.6% | People's Republic of China: 15.2%
United States of America: 18% | People's Republic of China: 70%
United States of America: ~15% | People's Republic of China: 80%+
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Production
United States of America: 6% | People's Republic of China: 94%
United States of America: 2.5% | People's Republic of China: 4.7%
United States of America: €10,266.8B | People's Republic of China: $6,240,157.8M
United States of America: €925,796.8M | People's Republic of China: $313.7 billion
United States of America: €3,981 | People's Republic of China: €467
United States of America: 20% | People's Republic of China: 70%
United States of America: $27.6 trillion | People's Republic of China: N/A
United States of America: $821 billion | People's Republic of China: N/A
United States of America: 57 | People's Republic of China: N/A
United States of America: 6,300 | People's Republic of China: N/A
United States of America: Advanced semiconductors, AI, quantum computing, defense tech | People's Republic of China: N/A
United States of America: $15.29 trillion | People's Republic of China: $45.78 trillion
United States of America: $94,800 | People's Republic of China: $15,000
United States of America: 2.0-2.5% | People's Republic of China: 4.5-4.8%
United States of America: ~18% | People's Republic of China: 35%
United States of America: $30.1 trillion | People's Republic of China: $17.9 trillion
United States of America: 2.0–2.5% | People's Republic of China: 4.6–4.8%
United States of America: <5% | People's Republic of China: 80%+
United States of America: 4.5% | People's Republic of China: ~4.0% (estimated)
United States of America: $27.4 trillion | People's Republic of China: $17.9 trillion
United States of America: $76,398 | People's Republic of China: $12,556
United States of America: 16% | People's Republic of China: 28%
United States of America: $2.9T | People's Republic of China: $7.8T
United States of America: $820 billion | People's Republic of China: $296 billion
United States of America: 3.4% | People's Republic of China: 2.1%
United States of America: 735 km | People's Republic of China: 48,000 km
United States of America: 9.8 million km² | People's Republic of China: N/A
United States of America: 36 people/sq mi | People's Republic of China: N/A
United States of America: $12,914 per capita | People's Republic of China: N/A
United States of America: 4.7 per 100k | People's Republic of China: N/A
United States of America: 0.41 | People's Republic of China: N/A
United States of America: 1,290 thousand | People's Republic of China: N/A
United States of America: 0.921 | People's Republic of China: N/A
United States of America: 1,770 | People's Republic of China: N/A
United States of America: 665,263 | People's Republic of China: 1,574,205
United States of America: 27 universities | People's Republic of China: 8 universities
United States of America: $384 billion (2023) | People's Republic of China: $189 billion (2023)
United States of America: $27.3 trillion | People's Republic of China: $17.9 trillion
United States of America: 813 thousand | People's Republic of China: 1,500 thousand
United States of America: 290 GW | People's Republic of China: 1,340 GW
United States of America: 4.7 physicians | People's Republic of China: 2.1 physicians
United States of America: $85,400 | People's Republic of China: $12,700
United States of America: $820 billion | People's Republic of China: $292 billion
United States of America: 371.8 | People's Republic of China: 1,200
United States of America: $27.3 trillion | People's Republic of China: $17.8 trillion
United States of America: $27.4 trillion | People's Republic of China: N/A
United States of America: 78.9 years | People's Republic of China: 77.9 years
United States of America: 4.8 | People's Republic of China: N/A
United States of America: $820 billion | People's Republic of China: N/A
United States of America: $11,945 | People's Republic of China: N/A
United States of America: 2.1 billion | People's Republic of China: N/A
United States of America: 79.3 million | People's Republic of China: N/A
United States of America: 735 km | People's Republic of China: 45,000 km
United States of America: 61% | People's Republic of China: 22%
United States of America: 0.34 billion | People's Republic of China: 1.4 billion
United States of America: 78.9 years | People's Republic of China: 78.2 years
United States of America: 5.0 billion | People's Republic of China: 12.1 billion
United States of America: 312 million | People's Republic of China: 1,050 million
United States of America: $28.5T | People's Republic of China: $23.8T
Average Annual GDP Growth Rate (2024-2026)
United States of America: 2.25% | People's Republic of China: 4.75%
United States of America: $84,000 | People's Republic of China: $17,000
United States of America: 206M | People's Republic of China: 920M
United States of America: 1st | People's Republic of China: 2nd
United States of America: AI, semiconductors, cloud computing | People's Republic of China: 5G, renewables, EVs
United States of America: 82% | People's Republic of China: 63%
United States of America: 814,340 | People's Republic of China: 1,570,000
United States of America: 8.5% | People's Republic of China: 12.3%
United States of America: 16% of global | People's Republic of China: 28% of global
United States of America: $27.4 trillion | People's Republic of China: $17.8 trillion
United States of America: $0.13 trillion | People's Republic of China: $3.2 trillion
United States of America: 635,000 | People's Republic of China: 1,700,000
United States of America: 2.1% | People's Republic of China: 4.2%
United States of America: 26.3% | People's Republic of China: 16.4%
United States of America: $285 billion | People's Republic of China: $163 billion
United States of America: 59% | People's Republic of China: 2.7%
United States of America: 128% | People's Republic of China: 77%
United States of America: N/A | People's Republic of China: $17.9 trillion
United States of America: N/A | People's Republic of China: 4.8%
United States of America: N/A | People's Republic of China: 38.4 years
United States of America: N/A | People's Republic of China: €469
JPMorgan Growth Leadership Outlook (2026)
United States of America: N/A | People's Republic of China: Secondary
United States of America: N/A | People's Republic of China: $18.74T
United States of America: N/A | People's Republic of China: 5.0-5.3%
United States of America: N/A | People's Republic of China: 32.94%
United States of America: N/A | People's Republic of China: €299,621.7M
United States of America: N/A | People's Republic of China: $620,062.8M
United States of America: N/A | People's Republic of China: €11,242
How to choose between United States of America and People's Republic of China
Compare United States of America vs People's Republic of China
United States vs China Nominal GDP 2026 — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for United States vs China Nominal GDP 2026. Contains 105 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
United States vs China Nominal GDP 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for United States vs China Nominal GDP 2026.
Why does the US have a larger GDP than China despite China's larger population?
The US maintains higher GDP through superior productivity, technological advancement, and a services-based economy with higher profit margins. US GDP per capita is $85,400 versus China's $12,700, meaning each American generates 6.7x more economic value. The US financial, technology, and healthcare sectors command premium global prices, while China's economy relies more on manufacturing with lower margins.
When will China's GDP surpass the United States?
Based on 2026 growth trends, if current rates continue, China would need approximately 12-15 years to match US nominal GDP in absolute terms. However, this assumes no acceleration in US growth and no major geopolitical disruptions. Currency fluctuations and inflation rates significantly impact these projections, making precise forecasting unreliable beyond 5 years.
What is the significance of the USD being the global reserve currency?
The US dollar's 59% share of global reserves gives America enormous financial leverage. It allows the US to borrow at lower interest rates, provides cheaper international transactions for US firms, and amplifies economic sanctions impact on adversaries. China's yuan at 2.7% reserve share limits these advantages, though Beijing is working to internationalize the currency through Belt and Road initiatives.
How do manufacturing capacities compare between the two countries?
China produces 28% of global manufacturing output and dominates electronics, textiles, and machinery sectors. The US manufactures only 16% of global output but focuses on high-value goods like semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace. China excels in volume and speed; the US in innovation and specialization. For supply chain resilience, companies increasingly diversify across both nations.
Which country has better long-term economic prospects?
The US offers stability and technological leadership but faces demographic aging and slower growth. China offers faster growth and manufacturing scale but confronts aging demographics, environmental challenges, and property sector volatility. Most economists view the US as lower-risk for 2026-2031, while China offers higher growth potential if structural reforms succeed.
How to Choose Between United States of America and People's Republic of China
Nominal GDP 2026: United States of America has $28.7 trillion USD, while People's Republic of China has $17.9 trillion USD.
GDP Growth Rate 2026: United States of America has 2.1% annually, while People's Republic of China has 4.2% annually.
GDP Per Capita 2026: United States of America has $85,400 USD, while People's Republic of China has $12,700 USD.
Largest Economic Sector: United States of America has Services (80% of GDP), while People's Republic of China has Manufacturing (27% of GDP).
Share of Global GDP: United States of America has 26.3% of world economy, while People's Republic of China has 16.4% of world economy.
Consider: Foreign Direct Investment Inflows 2026
Foreign Direct Investment Inflows 2026: United States of America has $285 billion USD, while People's Republic of China has $163 billion USD.
Currency Reserve Status: United States of America has USD (59% of global reserves), while People's Republic of China has CNY (2.7% of global reserves).